R129 SL60 AMG - Anybody have any experience?
Discussion
My first time posting in this part of PH so apologies if this has been covered before (search is still down).
I'm currently looking for a new toy to play with and have been drawn towards the R129 SL. They seem like such a fabulous motorcar and I've been reading all sorts of reviews and information about them.
I have since found for sale an SL60 AMG. I understand that only 29 of these cars were ever brought to the UK in RHD form, the car for sale has 81k on the clock and looks very presentable.
Has anybody had any experience with this particular model/engine? Is there anything specific to look out for over and above a standard SL?
At the moment I'm just speculating, but I would love to hear any advice, information or stories you may have.
Thanks in advance.
I'm currently looking for a new toy to play with and have been drawn towards the R129 SL. They seem like such a fabulous motorcar and I've been reading all sorts of reviews and information about them.
I have since found for sale an SL60 AMG. I understand that only 29 of these cars were ever brought to the UK in RHD form, the car for sale has 81k on the clock and looks very presentable.
Has anybody had any experience with this particular model/engine? Is there anything specific to look out for over and above a standard SL?
At the moment I'm just speculating, but I would love to hear any advice, information or stories you may have.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the reply. Those are the main things I have discovered you need to look out for, I've read the V12 is a strong engine, as long as it has been looked after.
Glad to hear you are enjoying your car, I've really taken to the older SLs and as it is something that wouldn't be used as a daily driver, looks like it would fit the bill nicely. Is it your first SL?
I tried to give the chap a call yesterday to get some more info but didn't get a reply so I'll try again today.
Thanks for the reply. Those are the main things I have discovered you need to look out for, I've read the V12 is a strong engine, as long as it has been looked after.
Glad to hear you are enjoying your car, I've really taken to the older SLs and as it is something that wouldn't be used as a daily driver, looks like it would fit the bill nicely. Is it your first SL?
I tried to give the chap a call yesterday to get some more info but didn't get a reply so I'll try again today.
buccal said:
Can we have a link please bob?
and join mbclub.co.uk
Here you go:and join mbclub.co.uk
http://www.classic-benz.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=...
It should be a well known car if the owner took it to shows and was a club member.
I will definitely look into joining the club, I'm sure there is a wealth of useful information there.
Pvapour said:
sorry, but for that money you can get into a 230 SL55 with same mileage.
an SL70 or SL73 maybe but not the 50.
Thanks for the feedback. I have no idea really of the values of the rarer cars so any advice is welcome.an SL70 or SL73 maybe but not the 50.
I'm new to Mercedes as I've always been into older BMW's. There is a huge amount I don't know about them!
Pvapour said:
Cant remember exact numbers but seem to recollect the R129 SL60 having the longest run in terms of years, (quick look suggests 5 years (but thats wiki)
So in terms of rarity, which is one of the biggest reasons you'd pay a premium for a classic imo, it is not as rare as the SL70 or SL73.
my thoughts are, at £18k you can get a decent mileage R230 SL55, for me (& if I were buying) this is where comparisons will be drawn for pricing on older AMG R129s, if an AMG R129 were to get more money than a good average mileage SL55 R230 it would have to have one or all of the bellow:
1) the rarest incarnation (SL70 or 73)
2) very low mileage (<30k)
3) Interesting ownership (1 owner or famous etc)
Real amateurs view in terms of a classic merc so stand to be corrected, but have driven both the SL500 R129 and own an SL55 R230, (engines aside) the R230 is way way ahead of the R129 so the latter would need something BIG in its favour to prise the same cash out of my hand.
HTH
I've got to admit, I really like the 'look' of the older R129 SL, that's one of the reasons I quite fancy one!So in terms of rarity, which is one of the biggest reasons you'd pay a premium for a classic imo, it is not as rare as the SL70 or SL73.
my thoughts are, at £18k you can get a decent mileage R230 SL55, for me (& if I were buying) this is where comparisons will be drawn for pricing on older AMG R129s, if an AMG R129 were to get more money than a good average mileage SL55 R230 it would have to have one or all of the bellow:
1) the rarest incarnation (SL70 or 73)
2) very low mileage (<30k)
3) Interesting ownership (1 owner or famous etc)
Real amateurs view in terms of a classic merc so stand to be corrected, but have driven both the SL500 R129 and own an SL55 R230, (engines aside) the R230 is way way ahead of the R129 so the latter would need something BIG in its favour to prise the same cash out of my hand.
HTH
Edited by Pvapour on Saturday 4th September 08:32
I've just found an old PH thread using Google:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... and SL73 AMG&mid=0
It goes into quite a bit of detail regarding the SL70 and SL73, it turns out these were special order cars and didn't even appear on Merc price lists. They are very very rare motors by the looks of things.
One thing I was supride to find is that the SL60 is actually a V8 not a V12, and the figures were fudged slightly by MB so the 'lesser' V8 model did not overshadow the mighty V12 range topper. I've got to admit, I actaully really want a V12, purely for the reason that I haven't had one before!
I'm still going to give the dealer a call regarding the car above, but after what has been written in the previous threads I may just hold off for a while. There are some fantastic SL500s for sale, but not too many 600s.
Thanks for taking the time to reply though, I may sound fairly inane, but I like to research these things thoroughly before spunking my cash on a motor!
I think they are both all alloy engines, but I really have no idea of the weight difference between the V8 and V12 mills. I suppose it depends on how far back they slotted the engine in over the front wheels as to how much the heavier engine will affect handling.
I have to agree though that 18k is a lot of cash for an late 90's SL, but I suppose this particular one is a rare car that seems to have been cherished by it's previous owner.
There are some lovely 500s around for a lot less cash, though will I always wish I bought the pokier model?
I have to agree though that 18k is a lot of cash for an late 90's SL, but I suppose this particular one is a rare car that seems to have been cherished by it's previous owner.
There are some lovely 500s around for a lot less cash, though will I always wish I bought the pokier model?
Edited by bob1179 on Saturday 4th September 09:28
XB70 said:
I have seen that car when it was for sale by the owner. I suspect it is either on consignment with them or has been sold to them.
I have driven two SL60's and a lot of SL500's (including the older V8 and later V8 in the R129 model)and prefer the 1999 onwards 500.
If you do go to see it, and the tacho is canted around 10 degrees to the right (ie, the 12 o'clock position is at 11 o'clock) then it is the same car.
You won't get an SL73 for under £40,000
The SL73 does seem very very rare.I have driven two SL60's and a lot of SL500's (including the older V8 and later V8 in the R129 model)and prefer the 1999 onwards 500.
If you do go to see it, and the tacho is canted around 10 degrees to the right (ie, the 12 o'clock position is at 11 o'clock) then it is the same car.
You won't get an SL73 for under £40,000
How did you find the SL60 experience? Did it feel significantly quicker/tighter than the standard SL?
Thanks for the feedback guys.
Some nice pictures and information there.
I understand what you are saying about the SL500 being 9/10s the car the SL600/SL60 is on UK roads. One of the reasons I quite fancy an SL is because I don't do a large mileage and the car would spend a lot of it's time in the garage under a dust sheet.
I know it sounds pretty abhorrent but I just like to have a little 'class' parked in the garage that I can use when I'm home, something connvertible (as I've not had one before), with plenty of poke and it won't throw a wobbler due to not being used for a couple of months at a time.
I would dearly love a TVR but they need to be used on a regular basis. My old M535i used to fire up every time with no issues, even after being parked up for five or six months. It never let me down and was always up for a good hoon. I ended up selling the old girl to a bloke in Holland for considerably more than I paid for it.
I'm sure, next week I'll see something else that 'fits the bill' perfectly, however, I really think an older Merc does the job nicely (plus the OH seems to like the look it!).
Some nice pictures and information there.
I understand what you are saying about the SL500 being 9/10s the car the SL600/SL60 is on UK roads. One of the reasons I quite fancy an SL is because I don't do a large mileage and the car would spend a lot of it's time in the garage under a dust sheet.
I know it sounds pretty abhorrent but I just like to have a little 'class' parked in the garage that I can use when I'm home, something connvertible (as I've not had one before), with plenty of poke and it won't throw a wobbler due to not being used for a couple of months at a time.
I would dearly love a TVR but they need to be used on a regular basis. My old M535i used to fire up every time with no issues, even after being parked up for five or six months. It never let me down and was always up for a good hoon. I ended up selling the old girl to a bloke in Holland for considerably more than I paid for it.
I'm sure, next week I'll see something else that 'fits the bill' perfectly, however, I really think an older Merc does the job nicely (plus the OH seems to like the look it!).
Well, I've just got off the phone to the chap at Classic Benz Ltd and he has been nothing but helpful and full of knowledge.
He's going to send me some more pictures, details service history etc. of the car so I can get a clearer view of it.
It is an extremely rare motor, and I have to say I really, really like it.
Only problem I have now is insuring the bloody thing, I just got off the phone from my insurance company (who have been insuring my cars and bikes for the last ten years) and they have flatly refused to insure me on the basis that I only spend three months of the year in the UK.
Seems like an odd policy, as the car will be locked up in a heated garage, and they have been insuring my other cars with no issue.
Anyway, I appreciate the feedback and information you have all given me, I shall keep you informed as to what happens next...
He's going to send me some more pictures, details service history etc. of the car so I can get a clearer view of it.
It is an extremely rare motor, and I have to say I really, really like it.
Only problem I have now is insuring the bloody thing, I just got off the phone from my insurance company (who have been insuring my cars and bikes for the last ten years) and they have flatly refused to insure me on the basis that I only spend three months of the year in the UK.
Seems like an odd policy, as the car will be locked up in a heated garage, and they have been insuring my other cars with no issue.
Anyway, I appreciate the feedback and information you have all given me, I shall keep you informed as to what happens next...
Thanks for the advice regarding insurance.
I will try the recommended insurers today and see what feedback I get. It seems an odd policy to be honest, I thought that I would be less of a risk if the car is parked up in the garage for most of the year? What does it really matter if I am away from home?
I will try the recommended insurers today and see what feedback I get. It seems an odd policy to be honest, I thought that I would be less of a risk if the car is parked up in the garage for most of the year? What does it really matter if I am away from home?
Funny you should mention storage with a professional outfit, as this was my intended route due to the fact the garage is full of bikes! I will mention this to the insurance people and see what the score is regarding this issue.
As to value and resale of the car, it depends on how you look at it really. This particular car is just under nineteen grand, which is a hefty sum of cash for a thirteen year old motor. However, it is a rare car and has lost most of the money it will probably lose, if it is not at the bottom of its depreciation curve it is almost there. I would rather buy and run this, than buy a new well specced Focus that would cost the same to buy but be worth five thousand in three years time.
The other thing to take into account is that I don't really care too much about depreciation and resale, I want something I can drive when I come home and have some fun in. If I do buy it, it will be looked after and have anything doing to it that it requires. It certainly won't be treated as a museum piece, there is not much point owning such a car if you are not going to drive it. I will worry about moving it on when the time comes.
I do value the comments and advice though, please keep them comming.
As to value and resale of the car, it depends on how you look at it really. This particular car is just under nineteen grand, which is a hefty sum of cash for a thirteen year old motor. However, it is a rare car and has lost most of the money it will probably lose, if it is not at the bottom of its depreciation curve it is almost there. I would rather buy and run this, than buy a new well specced Focus that would cost the same to buy but be worth five thousand in three years time.
The other thing to take into account is that I don't really care too much about depreciation and resale, I want something I can drive when I come home and have some fun in. If I do buy it, it will be looked after and have anything doing to it that it requires. It certainly won't be treated as a museum piece, there is not much point owning such a car if you are not going to drive it. I will worry about moving it on when the time comes.
I do value the comments and advice though, please keep them comming.
I agree that you are both right regarding the SL500, performance wise it will be more than adequate on the road.
I am just a little childish I suppose and want to own something a bit rare. It's one of the reasons I loved my M535i, in the three years I owned it, I never saw another one on the road.
Regarding useage and mileage, the car already has 81,000 on the clock so isn't really a 'low miler', and even when I use it, I won't put a huge mileage on it. I only spend two to three weeks a time at home every three months, when the weather is really good (or just dry) I tend to be out on the bikes.
Valuing a car like this I suppose is quite difficult, as you rightly mentioned, the R107 SL500 really does seem to be an appreciating classic, but I love the 90's SLs. There aren't any other SL60s (that I can find) for sale anywhere else to compare this too, but after seeing the pictures and reading the description of this particular car it seems very well cared for.
At the end of the day, I am under no illusion that if I was to buy this motor, I would lose money on it, and to me, it really doesn't matter too much. It's a nice car, that is a bit different, rare, and has a big engine and lots of power and torque!
By the way, if anybody does know of a clean SL500 or SL600, please let me know as I would love to take a look.
I am just a little childish I suppose and want to own something a bit rare. It's one of the reasons I loved my M535i, in the three years I owned it, I never saw another one on the road.
Regarding useage and mileage, the car already has 81,000 on the clock so isn't really a 'low miler', and even when I use it, I won't put a huge mileage on it. I only spend two to three weeks a time at home every three months, when the weather is really good (or just dry) I tend to be out on the bikes.
Valuing a car like this I suppose is quite difficult, as you rightly mentioned, the R107 SL500 really does seem to be an appreciating classic, but I love the 90's SLs. There aren't any other SL60s (that I can find) for sale anywhere else to compare this too, but after seeing the pictures and reading the description of this particular car it seems very well cared for.
At the end of the day, I am under no illusion that if I was to buy this motor, I would lose money on it, and to me, it really doesn't matter too much. It's a nice car, that is a bit different, rare, and has a big engine and lots of power and torque!
By the way, if anybody does know of a clean SL500 or SL600, please let me know as I would love to take a look.
Edited by bob1179 on Tuesday 7th September 14:33
pollawyn said:
If you want a car for pure enjoyment follow your heart not your head. Any other choice you will be thinking, if only? Bear in mind that this thinking could cost you dear in monetary terms but what enjoyment meanwhile.
Wise words!I've just got a couple of quotes and to behonest I was quite suprised. An agreed value policy, on a limited mileage with the car garaged is just over £350. It's actually cheaper to insure than my old M535i on a similar policy!
chris333 said:
Bob,
I'd be interested to know what was the mielage allowed ? and was it for the SL500 or the SL60?
The quotes I got were all about £350 for 3000miles and £450 for 5000. Any more mileage than that and the quotes just ballooned. I deliberated about the mileage to pick, but eventually went for 5000. Seeing as I've done about 600miles in the month or so since I got it, I'm glad I did!
Hi Chris,I'd be interested to know what was the mielage allowed ? and was it for the SL500 or the SL60?
The quotes I got were all about £350 for 3000miles and £450 for 5000. Any more mileage than that and the quotes just ballooned. I deliberated about the mileage to pick, but eventually went for 5000. Seeing as I've done about 600miles in the month or so since I got it, I'm glad I did!
Edited by chris333 on Thursday 9th September 15:45
The car I was quoted for is the SL60, to be registered at my home but kept in secure storage elsewhere.
The mileage allowance is for 3000 miles a year, however the price is similar to yours for 5000 miles per annum. I will probably go for 5000 miles per year, especially as I plan a euro trip in the spring.
Edited by bob1179 on Friday 10th September 08:31
GregE240 said:
Bob, only just seen this thread...apologies.
What I know about the SL60...it is a V8, as you rightly say. I was always under the impression that it was a variant of the M119 engine?
They are rare as. I've only ever seen 2, one of which was a nail that had an inoperable roof (read: blank cheque needed to resolve).
All cars have an 600SL / SL600 chassis number, as they were all built back in the day before AMG was integrated in to MB, so AMG basically got a 600, stripped it, and sent it out as an SL60.
There are 2 variants - a pre facelift, and a facelifted model. The Autotrader one is a facelift.
Power wise, they rate at about 381bhp, but these are AMGs finest stallions. My 500SL is rated at 326, but its a 1990 so it doesn't have cats.
I'd imagine they are my car, only quicker and probably nicer handling. Both are a good thing.
Good luck!! If I can help at all, please ask!
Hi Greg,What I know about the SL60...it is a V8, as you rightly say. I was always under the impression that it was a variant of the M119 engine?
They are rare as. I've only ever seen 2, one of which was a nail that had an inoperable roof (read: blank cheque needed to resolve).
All cars have an 600SL / SL600 chassis number, as they were all built back in the day before AMG was integrated in to MB, so AMG basically got a 600, stripped it, and sent it out as an SL60.
There are 2 variants - a pre facelift, and a facelifted model. The Autotrader one is a facelift.
Power wise, they rate at about 381bhp, but these are AMGs finest stallions. My 500SL is rated at 326, but its a 1990 so it doesn't have cats.
I'd imagine they are my car, only quicker and probably nicer handling. Both are a good thing.
Good luck!! If I can help at all, please ask!
The engine in the SL60 is a derivative of the M119 engine. As far as I know it has been bored out to 6.0 litres and has different cams, manifolds and other assorted headwork done to it.
I would love to know what sort of work AMG did to the car and how they were recieved at the factory. Were they complete cars that were disassembled then rebuilt or did they arrive at the AMG factory sans engine, gearbox and suspension?
Thanks for the offer of help too, I always welcome any advice and assistance.
BigBen said:
chris333 said:
r129sl said:
There is a r129 buyer's guide in this week's autocar. Pretty thin and useless: presumably author Goodwin knocked it out while on the bog having a crap. Car magazines... they're so rubbish. Anyway, they do say the SL60 AMG is the one to look for if you want "extra performance".... It really is the worst buyer's guide I have ever seen.
Thats so true about so many magazines: cars, cameras, computers: its just money for old rope. Its amazing anyone still pays good money for them given the wealth of properly useful information on sites like this on the internetThanks for letting me know though!
Well, after much deliberation and discussion with the OH and dealer. I've thrown caution to the wind and bought the blue SL60.
I know I'm mad, but we only live once so sod it!
The car is being given a once over and being fully detailed, then it is going into a carcoon, hooked up to an optimate and being looked after until I get back home again.
I have to admit that I haven't actually been this excited about buying a car in a long time.
Thankyou all for the information and advice you have given me, I really appreciate it.
I know I'm mad, but we only live once so sod it!
The car is being given a once over and being fully detailed, then it is going into a carcoon, hooked up to an optimate and being looked after until I get back home again.
I have to admit that I haven't actually been this excited about buying a car in a long time.
Thankyou all for the information and advice you have given me, I really appreciate it.
chris333 said:
Congratulations, I'm sure you will have a fantastic time in it. Get as many miles on the insurance as you can, you won't want to stop driving it!
Hope we will see some photos on here once youve got it sorted.
Cheers Chris.Hope we will see some photos on here once youve got it sorted.
The dealer has sent me a load of pictures which I will post up shortly. I really can't wait to get out in it and go for top town blast (it's my first convertible!).
I will definitely go for the 5000 mile option!
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